- Arts
- Democracy and community development
- Environment/Sustainable development
- Human rights
- Youth and education
As an independent Palestinian organization, Sharek Youth Forum seeks to contribute to the development of youth through designing, supporting, and implementing youth initiatives, programmes and projects in Palestine. The organization strives to get the voice of youth heard, and acts as a platform for advocacy on social, economic, cultural and political youth issues.
1) Develop the political, economic, social, and cultural capacities of the Palestinian youth so that they can tackle youth issues in the most effective manner.
2) Enhance the exchange of knowledge and experience between Palestinian children, adolescents and youth.
3) Provide opportunities for youth to participate in the economy either by enhancing their employability for their integration into the labor market or through the establishment of new businesses.
4) Foster partnership between civil society organizations, private-sector, government, and international stakeholders towards the creation of opportunities for youth.
5) Raise awareness locally and internationally on the specific needs and issues affecting youth in Palestine.
Step Forward:
Now in its sixth year “Step Forward” is an innovative program that helps young people in the transition from education into work or self-employment. As unemployment among 20-24 year olds is at the highest rate of any group in Palestine, “Step Forward” is meeting the challenge of youth employment.
Bridges:
The rights to play and education must be strongly upheld and sustained in order to secure the development of future generations. In the face of continuing trauma, ongoing occupation and war (particularly in the Gaza Strip), Sharek endeavors to sustain these rights through the Bridges programme. Bridges focuses on creating fun and safe environments, providing enrichment, supporting education and providing psychosocial support.
Advocacy and Human Rights:
Consolidating the work of the campaigns and awareness-raising unit, Sharek is capitalizing on the capacity of young people to engage with new media as a means of creating opportunities for youth to make their voices heard. Sharek is developing its emphasis on advocacy, debate and dialogue.